Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-23

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

The best way to provide enough homes in large cities is to build tall apartment blocks.

To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Student answer (Band 8.0)

Whether high-rise apartment towers represent the ideal solution to urban housing shortages remains a subject of debate. Although vertical construction maximizes limited city land, I believe relying solely on tall buildings is flawed due to their high maintenance costs and social drawbacks. Instead, a balanced strategy incorporating mid-rise developments and transit-oriented planning is more effective.

The primary advantage of constructing high-rise residential towers is the extreme efficiency of land use. In densely populated metropolises such as Singapore or Tokyo, geographical boundaries prevent outward expansion. By building upward, municipal authorities can house thousands of residents within a compact footprint while centralizing essential utilities like water supply, electricity, and sewage systems. Furthermore, high-density vertical housing prevents urban sprawl, thereby protecting rural green belts and allowing governments to construct efficient mass transit networks around dense urban nodes.

However, tall apartment blocks carry major structural and social limitations that prevent them from being a universal remedy. High-rises require specialized engineering, deep foundations, and high-grade materials, making both initial construction and long-term upkeep exceptionally expensive. These costs often translate into high service charges, making units unaffordable for lower-income households. Moreover, urban sociology studies demonstrate that high-rise environments can foster social isolation, particularly among children and the elderly, who lack immediate access to street-level public spaces and community interactions.

Consequently, alternative urban models should be integrated alongside vertical expansion. European cities like Barcelona and Paris demonstrate that medium-rise developments—typically five to eight stories high—can achieve population densities comparable to skyscraper districts. These medium-rise blocks maintain a human scale, cost significantly less to construct and maintain, and foster stronger community cohesion. Integrating these structures with transit-oriented design offers a far more sustainable approach to solving urban housing crises.

In conclusion, while tall apartment blocks are a crucial tool for mitigating acute land scarcity in major cities, they should not be viewed as the sole solution. A comprehensive housing strategy must combine high-rise towers with high-density mid-rise developments to ensure urban living remains affordable, livable, and socially inclusive.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have taken a clear position from the introduction and maintained it throughout the essay. The ideas are well-developed, with specific arguments regarding land efficiency, construction costs, and social implications. You provide relevant examples, such as Singapore, Tokyo, Barcelona, and Paris, which effectively support your arguments. The conclusion provides a balanced summary that aligns with your thesis. The response is well-structured and demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of the topic, meeting all requirements for a high band score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the benefits of high-rises and their limitations is handled smoothly using cohesive devices like 'However' and 'Moreover'. You use a variety of linking words such as 'Although', 'Furthermore', and 'Consequently' to connect sentences and paragraphs effectively. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct points of view. The flow of the argument is natural and easy to follow, demonstrating skillful management of cohesion.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary, using precise terminology such as 'metropolises', 'geographical boundaries', 'urban sprawl', and 'transit-oriented planning'. The language is sophisticated and natural, with accurate collocations throughout. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or spelling. The use of academic vocabulary is consistent with the requirements of an IELTS Task 2 essay, showing a high level of lexical control that allows for precise expression of complex ideas.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay displays a wide range of complex grammatical structures, including conditional-like reasoning, participial phrases, and well-constructed subordinate clauses. The majority of sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is used accurately to enhance clarity. Your control over tense and agreement is excellent. There are no significant grammatical slips, and the complexity of the sentence structures contributes to the overall professional tone of the writing. The accuracy is consistent throughout the entire response.

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